The Higher Thinking Fund was established in 2011 by Shalom Andrews and her husband Dave Taylor. The funds objective is to support brain cancer research at the University of New South Wales Lowy Cancer Research Centre in Australia.

As a brain cancer patient herself, Shalom has genuine insight into the challenges of living with brain tumour. As well as the personal difficulties involved, Shalom and Dave have recognised the need for greater research, particularly in the area of low grade brain tumours. There are many different kinds of brain tumours, and the World Health Organisation has broadly categorised them all as being either low grade (slower growing) or high grade (faster growing). There is minimal funding for low grade tumours, despite the significant potential for progression into life threatening high grade cancer.

By supporting Higher Thinking, you are maintaining the work of Dr Kerrie McDonald, world leading scientist based at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre. Higher Thinking is already supporting a three year doctoral research program supervised by Dr McDonald, and we are confident that with your contribution, significant gains can be made in understanding tumour progression.

Bridge to Brisbane Event 2016

Posted 27 June, 2016

Louise Halliday and her friends are supporting Higher Thinking by participating in the Bridge to Brisbane Day on Sunday 28 August. She says "there are some scary statistics when it comes to brain cancer which can make for uncomfortable reading! I don't want to dwell on these, rather, I like to focus on the many positives of my experience and my prognosis. I have been treated by exceptional medical professionals, in excellent facilities with state of the art treatment options available, some of which are available in Hervey Bay! All of those that I have met in the medical profession are doing everything in their power to further improve outcomes for people like me. As a result, I want to give back by raising much needed funds, particularly for those involved in research.Fortunately for me, my tumour is considered a 'good' one and my long term prognosis excellent, which is indeed a lot better than most others who have brain tumours. Even whilst undergoing chemotherapy treatment, I am well enough to participate in The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane 2016 (although this year I'll be walking, not running!!). I've also enlisted the support of some of my besties who will be walking with me. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!"

We wish Louise and her team the very best, and thank them for their initiative!

Tour de Southern Highlands 2016

Posted 1 May, 2016

The second annual Tour de Southern Highlands in support of Higher Thinking has been completed, raising over $8000. One of the intrepid riders, who asked to remain anonymous, said "the ride seemed longer and the hills seemed steeper than the 2015 ride, although this was not the case in reality. I'm afraid that some of us might be well meaning, but middle aged gentlemen." Despite being very tired after the long ride, the group (and their partners) had no apparent difficulty in mustering the energy required for a lengthy celebration dinner.

Tour de Southern Highlands

Posted 23 April, 2015

Last weekend, a group of committed cyclists completed a 76km ride around the beautiful Southern Highlands in NSW to raise money for Higher Thinking. A special thank you to the participants and their partners for making the weekend a fabulous event. $7200 was raised by the following generous supporters:

Tim Bryan, Kelly Partners Chartered Accountants

Grant Butterfield, Marsden’s Law Group

Peter Crittenden, Marsden’s Law Group

Glenn Fordham, TRN Group

Paul Hillbrick, Hillbrick Bicycles

Andrew Lovett, TRN Group

Mark Perich, Dart West Developments

Wayne Perich, Perich Group

Mark Scarce, Camden Hire

And our own intrepid Dave Taylor, Higher Thinking co-founder, also rode along and regularly found lurking at the rear of the peloton. Thank you to Tim Bryan from Kelly Partners for sponsoring the Higher Thinking riding gear organised by Hillbrick Bicycles.

Brain cancer is one of the most under-studied of all cancers yet receives very little research funding. In particular, people living with slower growing brain cancer are largely ignored. Higher Thinking is one of the only funds in Australia that supports the research of slower growing brain cancer, despite the potential to find treatments to stop rapid progression into deadly high grade cancer. Discoveries in this area may also have positive implications for the breakthroughs of treating other types of cancer.

Brain Cancer Facts

Rapid and slower growing brain cancer can be the cause of serious disability both from the disease itself, and as a result of its treatments - surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Disabilities might include paralysis, speech or language disturbance, seizures, increased risk of blood clots, weakness and decreased function of arms and/or legs, impaired fine motor coordination, or problems with balance. Possible changes in cognition, coordination, strength, vision, and other neurologic functions may necessitate specific work restrictions and accommodations. Some job requirements may be impossible for individuals with brain cancer, and permanent disability is not unusual.